Apple revolutionizes device integration: iPhone mirroring simplifies work

Apple has introduced a new feature called iPhone Mirroring with the launch of macOS Sequoia and iOS 18, which allows users to mirror their iPhone display onto their Mac and even interact with it using a mouse and keyboard. This seamless integration between mobile devices and desktops is another step by Apple to optimize the user experience across different devices. To utilize iPhone Mirroring, certain prerequisites must be met. The feature is compatible only with Apple Silicon Macs (from 2020 onwards) or Intel models with the Apple T2 Security Chip (2018 to 2020). Naturally, macOS Sequoia must be installed, and the iPhone must run iOS 18. Additionally, both devices need to be connected via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and signed into the same Apple account, with two-factor authentication enabled. Setting up iPhone Mirroring is straightforward. Users open the relevant app on their Mac, follow the on-screen instructions, and approve the notifications from their iPhone on the Mac. Once authenticated successfully, the Mac displays the smartphone screen, allowing users to perform familiar gestures and inputs, albeit with some limitations. The application enables users to view and interact with iPhone notifications on the Mac, even if the iPhone Mirroring app is running in the background or the iPhone is not nearby. Other features, such as changing window size and using Apple's Universal Clipboard, facilitate a seamless transition between both devices. Particularly useful is the ability to display the iPhone Mirroring app in different sizes, with Apple providing three standard options: actual size, smaller, and larger. Shortcut keys allow quick adjustment of the window size and navigation within the app, with common gestures like swiping replaced by keyboard shortcuts. However, some functions remain limited. Users cannot activate the iOS Control Center from the Mac or manually adjust the screen orientation of the virtual iPhone display. Nevertheless, the feature remains particularly practical for tasks like playing audio and some videos through the Mac. The capability to share files via AirDrop or copy content between the two devices enhances the diverse application spectrum of the iPhone Mirroring feature. If the connection is interrupted, for instance, by moving the iPhone away from the computer, it can easily be reestablished. In the app's settings menu, users can determine whether authentication is required before each use or if the system should automatically log into the iPhone. This flexibility provides added convenience for various usage scenarios. Finally, the app also offers the option to select the desired device when multiple iPhones are associated with the Apple account, further improving control and personalization. With the introduction of iPhone Mirroring, Apple once again demonstrates how technology can simplify and enhance everyday experiences.